Chapter 158

Chapter 158: Does the Dao King Want to Take a Disciple?

"Number ninety-nine, number one hundred."

Hearing the numbers, everyone perked up.

Number ninety-nine was surprisingly Bu Linglong.

Her strength had already reached saint level perfection, and she was definitely one of the top master hands at the Hidden Dragon Gathering, being a standard to measure top talents from various major forces.

"Senior Sister Bu, please enlighten me."

Bu Linglong’s opponent was a beautiful woman from the Moon God Clan with cultivation reaching the saint realm later stage, her aura like a bright moon, cold yet elegant.

Lan Youruo slowly shook her head.

Facing Bu Linglong, the Moon God Clan had not a shred of chance to win.

Bu Linglong lightly showed her expression.

Whoosh!

The Moon God Clan woman attacked at once, her Great Yin Power evolving into a boundary realm with a bright moon hanging high and moon essence flowing like water, instantly freezing the heavens and earth; chilling air currents like dragons swept across the sky.

"Minor tricks."

Bu Linglong lightly flicked her sleeves, divine fire surging and instantly melting the Great Yin force field.

She pointed two fingers like a sword, her sword energy like continuous fine rain, shattering all the chilling gusts; in an instant, she broke the Moon God Clan woman’s protective laws.

Boom!

A barrier bloomed like a lotus under the moon, and the Moon God Clan woman swiftly made hand gestures to form her sealing technique.

Sssst!

Bu Linglong strolled leisurely and took a single step; the void trembled and quickly fractured all over, crushing the moon lotus under her foot; the Moon God Clan woman shuddered violently and flew backward hard.

Swoosh!

Bu Linglong didn’t hold back; divine light brewed in her eyes, turning into a violet divine light that flashed past, slicing the void apart like paper.

Watching this scene, Qilou Yan slightly frowned.

This was aimed at killing her.

Likely, Bu Linglong considered Qilou Yan and the Red Dust Demon Sect as enemies and wanted to wipe them out.

"Stars All Around!"

The Moon God Clan woman looked startled and immediately activated her treasure, a chessboard-like star disk; the star disk flew out, enveloping the heavens and earth to form a huge chessboard.

Each piece was a star, arranged in a grand cosmic formation; star power erupted, instantly pulverizing Bu Linglong’s divine skill to dust.

"Still trying to resist?" Bu Linglong’s eyes flashed fiercely; she activated her treasure, a dark golden hairpin; as infused power surged in, the hairpin suddenly radiated a dreadful sharp metal energy.

Clang!

Beams of sharp metal energy shot out like countless flying swords; in a flash, they severed all the celestial stars and shattered the Moon God Clan woman’s divine skill.

"Senior sister, I admit defeat."

The Moon God Clan woman then conceded defeat immediately.

If she didn’t surrender soon, her life might be forfeit.

Bu Linglong snorted coldly and withdrew her hairpin before turning to descend the platform.

"That woman is ruthless," Qi Wuhen remarked with a solemn expression. Meng Baiyu’s strength clearly paled next to Bu Linglong’s. Yet through this exchange, Qi Wuhen gained some measure of Bu Linglong’s capabilities.

"Bu Linglong wins."

Yang Xuanzhan announced.

Next, numerous heavyweight top-tier talents took the stage.

But disappointingly, no contests between evenly-matched geniuses occurred.

The audience hardly minded.

This opening round served as an elimination stage, weeding out the weakest competitors. The real excitement would unfold in later stages.

"Contestants one hundred ninety-nine and two hundred."

At last, the final match arrived.

One challenger was a native of the Yuan Realm, seemingly unknown and unrecognized by anyone.

"Who is this man?" someone murmured in confusion.

"Anyone qualifying for the Hidden Dragon Gathering must be extraordinary," a young observer noted. "Yet his face is unfamiliar—likely a Yuan Realm local."

Talents across realms often mingled, yet no one recognized him, confirming his origin.

"Honored guests," Yang Xuanzhan addressed the crowd, "this is Yan Duxing, ranked ninth on the Hidden Dragon List."

Having received all participants’ details from Ye Xu, Yang Xuanzhan knew each contender’s background intimately.

"A Yuan Realm native, as expected."

"His aura runs impossibly deep—even I can’t fathom it. Likely another formidable contender," another spectator assessed.

Ye Xu watched impassively.

Ranking ninth on the Hidden Dragon List, Yan Duxing’s prowess was undeniable.

He belonged to no sect, working solely as a rogue cultivator.

At saint realm mid-stage perfection, he matched Qi Wuhen’s strength before Qi’s venture into the Demon Suppression Cave.

"I am Yan Duxing," the young man stated with resolute eyes, his plain robes contrasting with his composed courtesy. "I seek your guidance, senior brother."

His opponent radiated arrogance, scoffing through emerald robes: "The defeated deserve no name."

This green-robed youth wielded matching saint realm mid-stage power.

BOOM!

The green-robed youth surged forward.

Primordial energy roiled within him like awakening ancient ferocious beasts. His charge tore the air, an overwhelming blast aimed to crush Yan Duxing instantly.

The green-robed youth threw a punch toward Yan Duxing, like a great sun, like a blazing sun. Fist energy erupted with blinding divine light, melting the void, turning everything in its path to ash.

This punch was not only physical strength but also fused with divine abilities.

"You come at a good time."

Yan Duxing smiled faintly as he activated his profound technique. An immensely heavy aura spread from his body.

He seemed connected to the earth, deep-rooted.

Facing the green-robed youth’s assault, he stood completely motionless.

Boom!

Yan Duxing threw a punch, utterly straightforward, without the slightest flourish.

Rumble!

Their fists collided. The sound of fracturing bones was instantly heard. The green-robed youth flew backward dozens of meters like a kite with its string cut, while Yan Duxing stood steadfast as a mountain.

"Senior brother, your physical strength seems no match for mine," Yan Duxing remarked lightly.

The Divine Suppression technique he cultivated was renowned for its physical might.

Legend had it that mastering this technique to perfection allowed a single person to suppress hell itself.

What unimaginable power was that?

Among his peers, he’d almost never encountered a cultivator who could rival him in physical combat.

Perhaps Ao Lie, whose bloodline of the ancestral dragon was fully awakened, might be able to contend with him in the domain of physical strength.

"Impossible!"

The green-robed youth’s face darkened. He too was a master of physical cultivation, yet he couldn’t match a mere native from the Yuan Realm?

"Seven-Treasure Glazed Body!"

The green-robed youth bellowed. His qi and blood boiled as his body turned to seven-colored glazed crystal, shimmering with seven-colored divine light.

Boom!

He seemed to ignite, shooting toward Yan Duxing like a blazing meteor.

Every cell, every meridian, every piece of his flesh and blood burned fiercely. His power ascended to its ultimate pinnacle, perfectly integrated with principles.

His Dao Palace thundered, his Purple Palace trembled. His primordial spirit fused with his physical form, unleashing a world-shaking strike.

Rumble!

The green-robed youth charged at Yan Duxing. Principles resonated in harmony, causing the entire battle platform to shake.

"Is this the Holy Ancestor Dynasty’s physical classic, the Seven-Treasure Glazed Body?"

Li Xieyun glanced at Third Prince, Xuan Yu. "It truly is formidable."

"Yet it’s not Yan Duxing’s match."

The Seventh Princess gently shook her head. "The technique Yan Duxing cultivates is truly terrifying. It far surpasses the Seven-Treasure Glazed Body."

"Lin Kun will surely lose."

As if to confirm the Seventh Princess’s words, Yan Duxing’s aura suddenly became fearsome.

It was like a demon god reviving from hell.

Inside Yan Duxing’s body, a terrifying divine power was surging. The might of the entire realm poured continuously into his physique.

"Great Solar Heavenly Yang!"

Yan Duxing’s fists ignited as massive mana flooded his body. He charged toward Lin Kun.

Bang!

Their divine powers clashed, covering the battle platform in a blinding fiery glow.

It was like two suns colliding.

After a moment, a sharp cry echoed as Lin Kun was hurled backwards. He tumbled several times before plummeting off the battle platform.

Yan Duxing slowly drew in his mana until his aura calmed down.

"Is that Divine Suppression?"

Below the platform, Dao King stared at Yan Duxing, his eyes flickering. "This profound technique—wasn’t it long lost since the Ancient Era? It’s reappeared now!"

"The Yuan Realm truly is a place where fortunes gather…"

"Divine Suppression?"

The young man in linen and Bu Linglong frowned in confusion, turning to Dao King.

"Sect Master, is this technique very strong?" Bu Linglong asked.

"Very strong."

Dao King’s face took on a peculiar expression. "This is the mightiest body-refining technique I’ve ever known. At its peak, a single person can suppress an entire world, so it’s called Divine Suppression."

"However, mastering this technique is incredibly tough."

"How tough?"

The young man in linen said solemnly.

Dao King shot him a glance and snorted scornfully. "This technique treats the body as a purgatory, demanding endless torment day and night. Only those with immense perseverance can cultivate it."

"In this vast world, how many such people are there?"

The young man in linen trembled at the thought—if it were him, he surely couldn’t endure it.

Bu Linglong felt even more terrified.

Suffering purgatory torment day and night—what kind of cultivation method was this? How resilient must one be to sustain it?

"If this person doesn’t fall, his accomplishments won’t be below yours," Dao King said with a laugh.

"Sect Master, do you want to recruit him?" Bu Linglong caught the unspoken hint in Dao King’s words.

Dao King nodded.

On the stage, Yan Duxing remained unaware that Dao King had taken a liking to him.

"In this match, Yan Duxing is the winner."

Yang Xuanzhan announced.

"Brother Lin, are you alright?"

The crowd from the Holy Ancestor Dynasty walked toward Lin Kun and helped him up.

Lin Kun’s face was deathly pale, and he felt like his entire body was falling apart.

"He’s not seriously hurt."

Yan Duxing smiled warmly, with an air of genial honesty. "Resting quietly for a while will bring a full recovery."

"Hmph."

The Holy Ancestor Dynasty members bore no goodwill toward Yan Duxing. They supported Lin Kun and left.

"The first round of the competition ends here."

"Everyone may retire to rest for the night. The contest will resume tomorrow," announced Yang Xuanzhan.

No objections arose.

After all, the Hidden Dragon Gathering couldn’t conclude in a single day.

"Esteemed seniors, this junior has arranged accommodations for all. Please follow me."

The City Lord of Linglong immediately rose, greeting them with a pleased expression.

The assembly departed one after another.

"Yan Duxing, you’ve done exceedingly well."

The voice of the Dao King transmitted directly into Yan Duxing’s ears.

Yan Duxing halted his steps.

"Senior, you are…?"

Yan Duxing eyed the burly, imposing man before him with confusion, unsure of his purpose.

"I am the sect master of the Taihao Heavenly Sect in the Spirit Realm. The world grants me some honor—all call me the Dao King," replied the Dao King with a faint smile.

"And why has senior stopped me?"

Yan Duxing grew even more perplexed.

He’d heard of the Taihao Heavenly Sect over recent days—a colossal power in the Spirit Realm. The Dao King himself stood among the pinnacle Emperor Venerable experts in all realms.

In this era where true immortals did not manifest, the Dao King was nearly synonymous with invincibility.

"Would you be willing to enter the Taihao Heavenly Sect and become my disciple?"

The Dao King posed a question as startling as a thunderclap.

Beside him, Bu Linglong and the young man in linen froze completely.

The Dao King… seeking a disciple?

They knew their own talents hadn’t earned even a glance from the Dao King. Yet an outsider like Yan Duxing could compel this revered figure to personally extend an invitation!

Instantly, envy and jealousy twisted in their hearts.

The Dao King had reigned for over ninety millennia, possessing neither disciples nor heirs.

Should Yan Duxing accept, he’d instantly become the brightest jewel of the Taihao Heavenly Sect—a potential heir to the sect master’s throne.

"Senior, we’ve never met. Asking to take this junior as your disciple upon our first encounter… This junior really is overwhelmed,"

Yan Duxing replied after a dazed moment, managing an awkward smile.

"Might this junior have time to consider the matter? Once the Hidden Dragon Gathering concludes, I’ll deliver my answer."

"Very well."

The Dao King nodded, not pressing further.

"This junior must take his leave then," Yan Duxing said with a cupped-hand salute.

"Sect Master…"

"Hm?"

A single cold glance from the Dao King silenced Bu Linglong, forcing her to swallow all her words.

She’d nearly forgotten—she stood before the Dao King himself.

Who was she to comment on his dealings?

The Dao King’s gaze lingered on Yan Duxing’s departing figure, admiration in his eyes.

"Few under heaven can endure such agony," he murmured.

It was Yan Duxing’s resilience and spirit he wholly respected.

Great perseverance stood paramount among the qualities needed to tread the Grand Dao.

"I wonder if he and I share a master-disciple fate…"

The Dao King whispered softly to himself.